Classic Butter Chicken Recipe

Classic Butter Chicken Recipe

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a rich and creamy Indian dish that combines tender chicken with a buttery tomato sauce. This recipe offers an authentic taste experience that will transport your senses straight to the streets of Delhi without leaving the comfort of your home.

Ingredients:

• 500g boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup plain yogurt
• 2 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp turmeric powder
• 2 tbsp garam masala
• 2 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 3 tbsp vegetable oil or ghee
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 inch ginger, grated
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 can (14 oz) tomato puree
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• Salt to taste
• Fresh cilantro for garnish

Marination:

1. Combine yogurt, lemon juice, turmeric, garam masala, ground cumin, and chili powder in a bowl.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and ensure they are well-coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best results.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil or ghee in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the marinated chicken and cook until all sides are browned, about 5 minutes.
3. Remove chicken and set aside.

Preparing the Sauce:

1. In the same pan, heat the remaining oil or ghee.
2. Add onions and cook until soft and translucent.
3. Stir in garlic and ginger and sauté for a minute until fragrant.
4. Pour in the tomato puree and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens.
5. Add the cooked chicken back into the pan, along with any juices that have accumulated.
6. Add butter and heavy cream, stirring until well combined.
7. Cook for another 10 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has a creamy consistency.
8. Season with salt to taste.

Serving:

1. Ladle the butter chicken into a serving dish.
2. Garnish with chopped cilantro.
3. Serve hot with basmati rice or warm naan bread.

Enjoying this classic Butter Chicken recipe will provide you with a delectable culinary journey that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. The perfect balance of spices and creaminess makes it a favorite for many around the world.